James Blyden's wife Rebecca's graves has been targeted six times in the past two years

James Blyden at his wife grave in the grounds of All Saints church in Hesketh Bank. The grave has been vandalised on six occasions since her death three years ago. Mr Blyden fears his late wife's allegiance to Liverpool FC may be the cause of the vandalism

A heartbroken widower has spoken of his distress after his wife’s grave was desecrated.

James Blyden, 67, lost his wife of 44 years, Rebecca, three years ago.

Rebecca, who died aged 61, is buried at All Saints church in Hesketh Bank.

For the past two years flowers and ornaments that adorn her grave have been consistently stolen. Her headstone was also egged on one occasion.

James Blyden in the grounds of All Saints church in Hesketh Bank, holding a photograph of his late wife Rebecca. His wife's grave has been targeted by vandals on six occasions since her death

Mr Blyden, who has lived in Hesketh Bank for all his married life, said: “For the first year the grave was marked only by a wooden cross but then I had a headstone put on and things started to go missing.

“My wife loved Westie dogs and I put a statue of a Westie on her grave and this was stolen, the same thing happened with an angel statue and silk flowers and flower pots.

“One time her gravestone was egged, it’s just awful.

“I’ve been to visit her grave everyday since she died and it’s very distressing to have to deal with this problem again and again.

“I have absolutely no idea who is doing this, my wife was a lovely woman and never gave anyone any trouble.

“She loved Liverpool Football Club and on her headstone I had the inscription ‘you’ll never walk alone’ , I don’t know if this might have something to do with it.”

Mr Blyden now lives with his two West Highland Terriers Cindy and Jock. His 37-year-old son David lives in Manchester.

Rebecca’s grave is the only grave in the churchyard that has had items removed from it, suggesting vandals are specifically targeting it.

Mr Blyden, who is a former employee of West Lancashire Council is now appealing to anyone who might have any information about this despicable crime to get in touch with police.

Rev Bill Sloan of All Saints Church, said: “It’s deplorable and disgraceful that this has happened. We have an open graveyard and have never had any problems like this before.

“We have no idea who is doing this, it’s very strange that just the one grave is being targeted.

“I’ve heard of whole church yards being targeted but this is the first time I’ve seen or heard of a case like this.

“Our hearts go out to Mr Blyden and we are doing everything in our power to try and catch this culprit, no one should have to go through this."

If anyone has any information about this crime they are asked to contact police on 101, quoting CJ1408173.